6 Fresh Ideas for Metal Panel Home Décor: A Canadian Perspective

Westman Steel metal panels offer a wide range of benefits as a general building material, making them ideal for both large-scale construction and intimate home décor projects. Perhaps the most compelling benefit, especially for environmentally conscious Canadians, is that these Steel panels are incredibly eco-friendly. Our products are often made from recycled materials, boast an exceptionally long lifespan, and are 100% recyclable once they eventually reach the end of their useful life.

But beyond making greener lifestyle choices, we at Westman Steel love our Steel panels for home décor because they are:

• Durable: Designed for the harsh Canadian elements, our panels can withstand everyday wear and tear, ensuring your DIY projects last.
• Cost-Effective: Often more economical than other premium finishing materials, metal panels provide high impact without breaking the bank.
• Versatile: They fit seamlessly with a variety of design aesthetics, from modern farmhouse chic and rustic cabin comfort to bold industrial and minimalist modern styles.

As roof and wall panels, Westman Steel products are already designed for exterior use, meaning they don’t typically require any additional treatments for durability.

If you’re reasonably handy and have access to some extra Westman Steel metal roof or wall panels perhaps from a recent renovation or new build you can create dozens of do-it-yourself projects. Here are some of our favourites:

1. 7/8 Corrugated Privacy Fencing

Whether you need to build a privacy fence to better enjoy your backyard oasis in Calgary or are looking for an attractive way to cover up a dated concrete wall in a Vancouver alley, Westman Steel’s 7/8 Corrugated steel panels offer the perfect all-weather solution. In addition to adding a stylish look to your outdoor entertaining space, Stee panels are lightweight and often more affordable than comparable traditional fencing. Plus, they offer a lower-maintenance. While wood fencing needs to be stained and treated frequently to withstand Canadian weather, metal panels can go a decade or more before needing repainting, if ever.

2. Interior Metal Accent Wall

Westman Steel metal panels can provide an incredibly interesting texture to break up a large wall space in a great room or hallway. Choose from 7/8corrugated, Tough Rib, or WS flat-panel styles to get the look you want. Steel accent walls beautifully complement rustic, industrial, and modern design schemes. You can even mix and match different colours or panel profiles for a truly unique statement. Imagine a metal wall that uses a variety of textures and colours to create an urban mural effect. And don’t overlook the ceiling! While traditional tin ceilings have been popular for centuries, 7/8 corrugated metal panels offer a similar charm with a modern twist.

3. Add an Accent to the Kitchen with an Island or Bar

Have you been dreaming of adding a kitchen island but hesitating because it’s hard to match your existing cabinets? Sometimes, it’s better to use a different material that complements the design rather than trying to match it perfectly. That’s where Westman Steel metal panels come in. Instead of staining wood, you can simply clad your island or bar in metal panels for an instant industrial, farmhouse, or modern update. And if you’re aiming for an aged, rustic look reminiscent of an old barn in Saskatchewan, you can even use a simple vinegar solution to accelerate the natural patination of galvanized steel panels.

4. Booth Dividers in a Restaurant or Bar

Whether you’re opening a new bistro in Toronto or renovating a pub in Winnipeg, let’s face it: drywall is often boring. If you need to build some inexpensive, stylish, and secluded seating options in your restaurant or bar, Westman Steel metal panels are a perfect solution. They fit seamlessly into most décor styles and pair exceptionally well with natural wood tabletops and polished concrete floors, creating an inviting and unique ambiance for your patrons.

5. 7/8 Corrugated Planter Boxes and Raised Garden Beds

If you have a bit of a green thumb, you can easily repurpose Westman Steel metal panels to build durable planter boxes and raised garden beds. Simply cut the panels to size and frame them with treated wood (like 2x4s) for the best results against the Canadian weather. These planter boxes can be made in nearly any size you desire, from small cube-shaped planters for your porch to expansive raised beds for a full garden. The wood parts can be stained and sealed to help them withstand the weather, while the metal panels generally require no special preparation for outdoor use.

6. DIY 7/8 Corrugated AC Cover / Utility Screen

Are you tired of your unsightly air conditioning unit or garbage bins being a focal point in your backyard? While the cool relief of your AC is certainly welcome, and units have come a long way aesthetically, it’s perfectly reasonable to want to hide them. Often, these units sit right next to the house, spoiling the view from your patio. The solution? Build a simple wood-framed enclosure clad with Westman Steel corrugated panels. Due to the flexible nature of metal panels, you can easily make them look rustic to match your farmhouse décor, sleek and modern, or ruggedly industrial.

Final Thoughts on DIY Creative Projects Using Westman Steel Metal Panels

Westman Steel roof and wall panels are truly excellent building materials for a wide range of DIY projects, from large-scale privacy fences to final touches inside. The inherent durability of these materials means that your creations will last a long time, and their unique aesthetic will introduce a new layer of textures to your space, creating dynamic interior and exterior designs. Plus, you can feel great about contributing to an eco-friendly home environment when you repurpose robust, recyclable building materials to craft your furniture and décor. All in all, Westman Steel metal roof and wall panels are a versatile and sustainable building material with countless uses inside and out!

Westman Steel is a proud Canadian manufacturer and the premier provider of high-quality metal panels and steel building components for the construction industry across the country. With strong local presence and manufacturing facilities in British Columbia (Langley), Alberta (Airdrie, Edmonton), Saskatchewan (Swift Current, Saskatoon, Regina), Manitoba (Brandon, Winnipeg), and Ontario (Cambridge), Nova Scotia (Dartmouth) and Newfoundland Westman Steel partners with architectural specifiers, commercial construction professionals, and homeowners to create high-performance, sustainable, and inspirational design solutions.

Our dedicated team, with deep knowledge of Canadian building codes and climate demands, provides the expertise to address today’s challenges in high-performance, sustainable, and Net-Zero building. Westman Steel delivers outstanding roof, wall, and fascia metal panels, along with comprehensive trim and accessory packages, from our strategically located facilities throughout Canada.

For more information, visit the Westman Steel website, or to find the nearest branch near you, please visit our Locations page.